The 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment (Airborne)—known as 1-40 CAV—is the cavalry reconnaissance squadron of the 11th Airborne Division, based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. With roots in the 40th Armored Regiment of World War II, the unit has fought in Europe, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and today specializes in airborne reconnaissance and arctic operations. Airborne Apparel Company is proud to celebrate the legacy of 1-40 CAV with historically inspired designs.
Origins and Lineage
The history of the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) stretches back to the activation of the 4th Armored Regiment on 15 April 1941 at Fort Benning, Georgia. Shortly after, it became the 40th Armored Regiment, and during World War II its battalions were reorganized and fought as the 40th Tank Battalion under the 7th Armored Division. The battalion entered combat in northern France in August 1944, later battling across Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. It earned campaign participation credit for Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe, and was decorated for gallantry during the Battle of the Bulge.
After the war, the unit underwent several inactivations and redesignations, eventually becoming the 40th Armor Regiment. On 16 October 2005, it was redesignated as the 40th Cavalry Regiment, and the 1st Squadron (Airborne) was activated in Alaska. Its mission was to provide a dedicated airborne reconnaissance squadron for what was then the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.
Iraq and Afghanistan
Within a year of activation, 1-40 CAV deployed to Iraq (2006–2007) during the height of the Surge. Operating in southern Baghdad, its paratroopers fought through more than a year of continuous counterinsurgency operations, earning the Valorous Unit Award.
The squadron next deployed to Afghanistan in 2009–2010, conducting operations in Paktya and Khost Provinces in partnership with Afghan Security Forces. For their actions, they were awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation. A second deployment to Afghanistan in 2011–2012 saw the squadron return to those provinces, again demonstrating airborne adaptability and earning another Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Modern Role and the 11th Airborne Division
On 6 June 2022, the Army reactivated the 11th Airborne Division, reflagging both brigade combat teams in Alaska under its banner. The 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division—along with its units such as 1-40 CAV and the 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment—became part of the reconstituted 11th Airborne Division.
Today, 1-40 CAV (Airborne) continues its mission as the reconnaissance squadron for the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division. Stationed in Alaska, it trains extensively in arctic airborne operations, ensuring readiness for rapid global deployment in some of the harshest environments on earth. The squadron carries forward not only the traditions of cavalry scouts and armored warriors but also the airborne legacy of the “Arctic Angels” of the 11th Airborne.
Key Figures and Honors
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World War II: Leaders such as Lt. Col. George K. Rubel of the 40th Tank Battalion guided the unit through some of its fiercest armored battles.
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Decorations: The unit’s lineage includes campaign credit for five major European campaigns, the Belgian Fourragère, the Valorous Unit Award for Iraq, and two Meritorious Unit Commendations for Afghanistan.
Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment (Airborne).